Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath government rolls out action plan to curb stray dog menace

On 19th December, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh issued a statewide accountability driven action plan to curb the stray dog menace across cities, highways and public institutions. The Government Order was issued by Chief Secretary SP Goyal under the Urban Development Department of the state government. It lays down time bound directives for districts, urban local bodies and infrastructure agencies to curb the problem. The order clearly focuses on preventing dog attacks, especially on children, while ensuring compliance with animal welfare laws.

Accountability fixed at district and city leadership level

According to the order, district magistrates and municipal commissioners have been made directly responsible for outcomes on the ground. Progress reports will be mandatory and routed to the Urban Development Department, making this a performance linked exercise rather than a routine advisory. Officers responsible for lapses may face action, signalling a shift towards enforceable administrative responsibility.

Supreme Court backdrop and compliance mandate

The action plan stems from the Supreme Court’s directions in the suo motu case titled “City hounded by strays, kids pay price”, where the apex court flagged rising dog bite incidents and the absence of effective management systems. The government order explicitly refers to the orders issued by the court dated 22nd August and 7th November 2025, as well as the observations made by the court appointed Amicus Curiae. All departments have been directed to ensure strict compliance.

High risk zones identified as top priority

The order has identified highways, expressways, schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, sports complexes and other high footfall public spaces as priority zones. According to the government, these areas pose heightened risk due to regular human movement and the presence of children, patients and commuters.

Removal of stray dogs from highways and expressways

Stray dogs and other destitute animals will be systematically removed from national highways, state highways and expressways in coordination with agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India, PWD, UPEIDA and transport authorities. Dedicated 24-hour patrol teams will be deployed, helpline numbers will be prominently displayed along corridors, and animals will be shifted in a phased manner to designated shelters or gaushalas without violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Mandatory safeguards for schools, hospitals and public institutions

All government and private educational institutions, hospitals, sports facilities, bus depots and railway stations within urban limits have been directed to install proper fencing, boundary walls and gates. Security staff must be deployed and nodal officers appointed, with their names and contact details displayed at prominent entry points. Any stray dogs found inside these premises must be humanely captured, sterilised, vaccinated and shifted to designated shelters, with periodic inspections mandated at least once every three months.

Overhaul of animal birth control infrastructure

The government has ordered all Animal Birth Control centres to function at full capacity under the ABC Rules, 2023. Districts have been directed to carry out gap analysis and immediately address infrastructure and manpower deficiencies highlighted by the Supreme Court. Where ABC centres do not exist, proposals must be submitted to establish facilities, including at district veterinary hospitals, with clear budget provisions.

Health system preparedness and bite data segregation

To reduce fatalities and complications from dog bites, the Health Department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins in all government and private hospitals. Separate data tracking for pet dog bites and stray dog bites has been made mandatory, in line with DGHS guidelines, alongside awareness and first aid training programmes for students, staff and frontline health workers.

Shelter policy and long-term containment plan

The Animal Husbandry Department will design modern, disease safe shelter systems for lifelong housing of stray dogs. This will be done in collaboration with veterinary universities, the State Animal Welfare Board and experts in the field. Scientific standard operating procedures will be prepared to minimise the risk of infectious disease spread from such facilities.

Monitoring mechanism and reporting deadline

A State level Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee will conduct regular inspections and coordinate with departments to ensure compliance. The state government has directed all concerned departments to submit detailed reports covering infrastructure, personnel, helplines and safety measures to the Urban Development Department by 26th December 2025.

Why these guidelines matter for public safety

The importance of this action plan lies in the scale of harm already recorded. In 2024 alone, India reported over 37 lakh dog bite cases, while more than 26 lakh cases were recorded in 2025 till 31st July. Children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and daily wage workers remain the most vulnerable. By fixing accountability, securing public spaces and strengthening prevention and response systems, the guidelines move beyond intent and address a long standing public safety failure that has claimed lives, caused permanent injuries and left families traumatised.

Disclaimer: This news report is based on information published by mainstream media outlets. For full context and additional details, readers are advised to refer to the original news reports linked above.

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